It’s not every night you see a Demogorgon belt out a show tune. But that’s exactly the kind of upside-down magic you’ll find at Stranger Sings! The Parody Musical, presented by Epiphany Arts as part of Sydney Fringe Festival.
It’s not every night you see a Demogorgon belt out a show tune. But that’s exactly the kind of upside-down magic you’ll find at Stranger Sings! The Parody Musical, on for a short time as part of Sydney Fringe Festival.
This show feels like stepping into a time warp: Hawkins, Indiana, circa 1983, colliding with neon-lit 80s nostalgia and Broadway-level camp. For fans waiting impatiently for Netflix to drop the fifth and final season, this parody scratches the itch. It’s got extra hairspray, leg warmers, and laughs big enough to rival Steve Harrington’s hair.
Stranger Sings! has enjoyed a celebrated life before arriving in Sydney. Written by Jonathan Hogue, the show debuted in 2021 Off-Broadway to critical acclaim, picking up multiple awards along the way for its cheeky send-up of the beloved sci-fi hit.
It has since toured internationally, building a cult following of audiences eager to see the spooky, sentimental saga reframed as a camp musical spectacular. This show marks the Sydney premiere.
The plot does well to condense four seasons into ninety minutes. Children disappear, Eleven discovers Eggo waffles, and Joyce Byers will stop at nothing to save her son. But the brilliance of this musical isn’t in retelling the story; it’s in twisting it upside-down with absurd humour, ‘80s pop culture references, and tongue-in-cheek songs that lampoon the series while also celebrating its heart.
The cast radiates joy from the opening scene, pulling the audience along on a wave of nostalgia and silliness. Annabelle Doubleday steals scenes as Barb, finally giving Hawkins’ most underappreciated teen her due.
Courtney Joubert brings sharp comedic timing to Nancy Wheeler (and a delightfully over-the-top Erica Sinclair). Tyler Denning flexes versatility as both brooding Jonathan Byers and swoon-worthy Steve Harrington. (And his surprise Benson Boone-like backflip is incredible!)
Holly Gallagher’s Joyce channels Winona Ryder with hysterical gusto, and Tully Agostino-Morrow’s Hopper is ‘gruff charm’ personified. His exaggerated turns to the audience every time he thinks about his daughter are sublime!
Raven Swinkels nails their mix of awkward innocence and supernatural power as Eleven. Anouk Macarthur Mitchell (Will), Julian Daher (Dustin), Ruben Aguilera (Mike), and Jahzara Mariasson (Lucas) capture the adventurous, nerdy spirit of the Hawkins kids.
Autumn Orwell, Ellacoco Hammer McIver and Ruby Basson make cameos as Robin, Suzie and Max respectively. Ivy Wilkes as Papa twinkles across the stage as the mad-scientist wig-wearing villain. And yes – Cooper Singleton’s Demogorgon deserves its own standing ovation!
Behind the scenes, the creative team deliver just as much punch. Director Annie Macarthur keeps the pacing tight, while Anna Jaques’ choreography (and co-direction) fizzes with comic energy, using everything from dance breaks to visual gags to double down on the parody.
Jaques also designed the set, which cleverly flips from suburban basements to the eerie Upside Down with minimal change but maximum imagination. The Christmas lights/wall sequence is a marvellous stage adaptation of the iconic scene!
Musical Director Mitch Brown and the on-stage band drive the show with infectious, ‘80s-flavoured energy, every riff and synth nodding cheekily to the era.
If there’s one criticism, it’s that whenever the show comes close to building stakes or landing an emotional beat, it quickly undercuts itself with comedy. That’s part of the genre – absurd parody thrives on undercutting tension. But I couldn’t help but wish for just a flicker of genuine fear, particularly when the Demogorgon appears. As impressive as it is to see him tear up the dance floor, a moment or two of menace would have made the parody even sharper.
In the end, Stranger Sings! is goofy, camp, and knowingly ridiculous, but also surprisingly sharp in its writing and endlessly entertaining in its execution. It lovingly roasts the characters, tropes, and melodrama of Stranger Things while celebrating the nostalgia that makes the series iconic.
If you’re a die-hard fan of the Netflix series or just someone who loves a glitter-drenched night at the theatre, this is a show not to miss. Stranger Sings! The Parody Musical is a brilliant and hilarious multi-award-winning parody that turns Hawkins upside-down with music, mischief, and monster-sized laughs. Grab your leg warmers and step into the Upside Down – this one’s worth the trip.
Stranger Sings! The Parody Musical runs to 27 September at the Off Broadway Hub, Eternity Playhouse as part of 2025 Sydney Fringe Festival. 39 Burton Street Darlinghurst NSW 2010.
Tickets: https://sydneyfringe.com/events/strangers-sings-the-musical-parody/
Website: https://www.epiphanyartsinc.com/
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